How Do Moving Trailers Work?

What is a moving trailer? How does it work?

When you hear U-Pack has a moving trailer option, what do you imagine? Most people either get a mental image of an enclosed trailer that you pull behind a passenger vehicle or a big 53' semi-truck. While those are both reasonable ideas, U-Pack moving trailers are a little different.

Important details about moving trailers

Moving in a U-Pack trailer works like this:

We bring it to your home

You load furniture and belongings inside (we give you three business days for loading)

We pick it up and drive it to your new home

You unload (three business days for unloading)

We pick up the empty equipment

Learn more to see how this convenient option can work for your move.

Size

U-Pack trailers are 28' x 8' x 9', making the loading space equivalent to a 26’ rental truck PLUS a 10’ rental truck. They can haul 22,000 pounds of evenly-distributed weight, so there’s plenty of room to pack a 3- to 4-bedroom home, but you don't have to use the entire trailer. Instead, just use the space you need (down to a minimum of five linear feet).

Delivery options

While most delivery is door-to-door, there are actually two other possibilities to choose from:

Terminal-to-terminal. This type of delivery means loading at the local service center, and then unloading at the service center closest to your destination. While this type of move may require a little extra work, it can save you up to $300.

Hybrid. A hybrid solution is choosing either a door-to-terminal or a terminal-to-door move. This option can also save you money because it eliminates transportation costs on one end of the move.

Trailer parking

The moving trailer requires safe, legal parking. It and the ramp need 40-feet of length (about 3-4 car lengths) and 14-feet of overhead clearance — check the parking area for tree limbs and low hanging wires ahead of time. The trailer is typically left on site during loading and unloading, so make your Homeowner’s Association or city aware and make certain you have the proper permits for street parking.

Packing the moving trailer

You can load your belongings using the provided ramp. It is 14’ long and 2’ wide, and can handle a maximum weight of 1,000 lbs. Follow our loading tips and stack items “high and tight” to take advantage of all available space. U-Pack equipment comes with logistics tracking, which are places where you can tie your things down as you load. Stack items from floor to ceiling, placing heavier furniture and boxes on the bottom. Remember to avoid packing anything from the Do Not Ship list. When you’re finished loading, install the bulkhead at the end of your shipment — this separates your shipment from commercial freight loaded onto the trailer.

The cost of moving trailers

Move rates are based on the origin, destination, date, size of the home and more — which makes each move unique. Find out how all of those factors work together with a free moving quote.

U-Pack was created as an easy, affordable moving service. Along with the simplicity, here are some things to note about U-Pack:

No driving. Well, you can drive — just in the comfort of your own vehicle rather than an unfamiliar rental truck. U-Pack takes care getting moving your belongings to your new home.

Efficient use of space. Any space in the trailer that you don't use gets filled with commercial freight going in the same direction. This keeps transportation costs low.

Security. Yours is the only household goods move loaded into the trailer. You can put your own lock on to keep it secure while it’s at your home for loading and unloading. Then, once it’s loaded, you’ll secure your shipment by installing the bulkhead — a secure divider wall that keeps your things separate from the commercial freight.

Flexibility. A U-Pack trailer move offers the flexibility of using however much space you need, and only paying for what you use. That means, if you get a quote for 13 linear feet, but end up using 15, no problem. You simply adjust the rate according to your per-foot rate. The same goes for using less space than you were quoted — adjust the price down (with a five-foot minimum).

Learn more about trailer moves

If you’re interested in moving trailers, check out these links for more information. If you have any questions, leave us a comment below. We’re happy to help!

I have used U-Pack twice. Both times they have been great. Fact this last time was short notice and I was in a huge bind. They really came through. I highly suggest using them if you don't mind doing the packing. Very reliable and professional group of people!

Our experience with U-Pack with our move was awesome! The driver who dropped off our container was very helpful and explained everthing to us thoroughly. We felt the service was super fast! We drove 16 hours to our new home and our container arrived the next morning. When we unloaded it, it was picked up as soon as we called. This company is top-notch. We are very happy we decided to use U-Pack for our move. It helped us move worry-free!